Cybersecurity Defensive Operations - Developmental Job

Summary

This job is open to

• The public

  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

DHS Cybersecurity Service (DHS-CS) uses a multi-phase assessment process to qualify applicants seeking employment through the DHS-CS. Given the ever-advancing nature of cybersecurity and the ongoing need for cybersecurity talent, DHS-CS uses "Talent Pools" to pull qualified applicants (i.e., individuals who have successfully completed the multi-phase assessment process for their capability and career track/level) for consideration for these jobs.

This announcement is being used to fill the Cybersecurity Defensive Operations Talent Pool. By applying to this job announcement, you are opting to be part of the DHS-CS Talent Pool for ongoing consideration for employment for relevant open jobs and will remain eligible for consideration for up to one year from the date of completion.

There are a variety of Cybersecurity Defensive Operations - Intelligence Collection & Analysis (ICA), as well as Planning, Execution & Analysis (PEA), opportunities across the Department, including supporting several specialized programs at the DHS Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans (PLCY), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), DHS Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE).

As a DHS Cybersecurity Service employee in the Developmental Career Track, you will continually and proactively participate in learning activities to enhance and apply your developing expertise in the technical capability of Cybersecurity Defensive Operations to perform a range of routine tasks, which may include:

• Supporting routine or regular aspects of end-to-end tactical and strategic level cyber operations plans.
• Aiding in the development of primary and contingency action plans, working with experts to carry out the most appropriate methods of defense/attack.
• Building and applying an understanding of best practices and available capabilities for mounting defensive/offensive cyber operations against identified threats to DHS networks and systems.
• Conducting routine analysis of indicators of compromise and integrating digital forensics and incident response data to bolster DHS and DHS partners' defenses at each step of the cybersecurity defensive operations process.
• Using reverse malware analysis and engineering techniques to prevent incidents or mitigate threats to DHS or Federal systems and networks.
• Collecting and compiling information on cyber threats or threat actors using various intelligence collection tools and methods.
• Working with customers to identify their information needs and requirements to support the creation of effective plans and strategies to meet those needs.
• Supporting the collection of all-source intelligence on current and emerging cyber threats to identify and evaluate the intent and capabilities of cyber actors using intelligence community analytic standards.
• Contributing to the drafting of intelligence products - including written reports or briefings - for a variety of cyber and non-cyber audiences.
• Proactively seeking opportunities to collaborate with and assist others in addressing complex cyber defense challenges.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen or national.
• You must be 18 years of age.
• Must be registered for the Selective Service (if you are a male).
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Security clearance levels may vary.
• Must be able to submit to a drug test and receive a negative result.
• Must be able to comply with ethics and standards of conduct requirements, including completing any applicable financial disclosure.
• May be required to serve a 3 year probationary period.
• While many of these positions are considered telework eligible, some individuals must live within 2 hrs driving distance to a DHS SCIF in either Chandler, AZ; Stennis, MS; Idaho Falls, ID; Arlington, VA; Pensacola, FL; Springfield, VA or D.C.
• Remote work may be available for some positions.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Required Documents

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online questionnaire, required assessments, and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 02/14/2025 to receive consideration. The application process will follow the bullets outlined below.

1. To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
4. After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA HIRE platform. This message will be delivered via email notification.
5. If you are asked to take the online assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.

Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning online assessments. Note: set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found on the Additional Application Information page that can be located in the application record in your USAJOBS account.

Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing online assessments on the USA HIRE platform, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the online assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the online assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the online assessments. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for online assessments here: http://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire.

Next steps

The DHS Cybersecurity Service application process is designed to both prioritize fairness to all applicants and identify qualified candidates to join the DHS Cybersecurity Service. Successful applicants proceed through the following steps and will receive notifications as each step is completed: Submit Initial Information

• Upload resume
• Answer questions about your expertise and experience

Assessment + Interview

• Complete multi-phase assessment process
• Interview with the team you might join

Tentative Job Offer + Background Investigation

• Receive a tentative job offer, including your compensation and benefits package
• Receive an invitation to start the background investigation process

Final Job Offer + Start Date

• Receive a final job offer
• Determine your start date

We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information."

Note: If you successfully complete the application process and receive a tentative DHS Cybersecurity Service job offer, applicable employment eligibility requirements, including those you must comply with throughout your appointment at DHS, will be communicated to you in writing.

Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U. S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U. S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.(http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify).

To learn more about DHS Cybersecurity Service employment eligibility, visit our application portal.

Additional Locations

• Stennis Space Center, MS
• Arlington, VA
• Springfield, VA